Yuletide Celebration
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Dec. 14-17
8 p.m.
$23-$65
In the mood for being entertained this holiday season? Why not check out the Bank of America Pops Yuletide Celebration at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall next weekend?
With Broadway-style music, theater and dance, the Oregon Symphony plays host to new and more “lavish productions, an outstanding cast of professional actors, singers, and dancers” who are joined by local talent, all dressed in stunning costumes with eye-catching sets.
This second annual production includes new numbers such as “The Enchanted Toy Shop,” a story of toys coming to life on Christmas, and “The Three Yuletide Tenors,” in which (you guessed it) three tenors perform holiday songs in operatic style.
The Los Angeles Philharmonic selected guest conductor Alastair Willis to be one of the small group to work with its music director, Esa-Pekka Salonen, for its premier season of conducting workshops, which began in September of this year. Earlier in the year, he was appointed the Douglas F. King Associate conductor of the Seattle Symphony after having held the position of assistant conductor since September 2000.
Not only is he joined by tap dancers from the Jefferson Performing and Visual Arts Magnet High School, renowned tap dancer Stephanie Cadman and juggler Mat Henry, but Broadway vocal star Judy McLane also takes the stage.
Appearing in such Broadway hits as the “Kiss Of The Spider Woman,” “Aspects of Love” and “Chess,” her credits include the narrator in “Joseph And The Technicolor Dreamcoat” with former teen idol Donny Osmond. She has toured internationally as a performing soloist with orchestras such as Bolshoi Orchestra in Moscow and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Noteworthy performances were captured as Mary Magdalene in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Victor/Victoria in “Victor/Victoria,” Mrs. Walker in “Tommy,” and she even has made a guest appearance as Darla in “Another World.”
Additionally, the Westminster Presbyterian Church Concert Bell Choir, directed by David Greger, will be ringing in seasonal favorites in the prelude programs held in the lobby prior to the concert in the lobby. The Bell Choir will be ringing in old standards such as “Silent Night,” “Oh Holy Night” and “Arab Dance” from “The Nutcracker.”
The symphony will perform arrangements specifically created for the Yuletide Celebration, including “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “The Christmas Song” and an adaptation of the 1960’s hit “Mr. Sandman.”
Much to the pleasure of last year’s concert-goers, the comedic “Shopper’s Lament” and the chorus line of tap dancing Santas are once again included in this year’s program.